Optima battery replacement
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Optima battery replacement
The OE battery in my 2007 Convertible no longer holds a charge for more than a week or so. Just 6,000 miles in 3 1/2 years, sits a lot.
I've heard positive and negative comments about the Optima. My question is whether the red top or yellow top are direct, no modification bolt-in replacement for the OE battery? I've seen many redtop installations but never bothered to notice or ask if any mods are needed.
And, I will get a trickle charger to use when store for more than a week or drive it more often!
Thanks,
Marty
I've heard positive and negative comments about the Optima. My question is whether the red top or yellow top are direct, no modification bolt-in replacement for the OE battery? I've seen many redtop installations but never bothered to notice or ask if any mods are needed.
And, I will get a trickle charger to use when store for more than a week or drive it more often!
Thanks,
Marty
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 472
Likes: 5
From: Austin Texas
Definitely go for the yellow top. They're designed for power-hungry applications and should work well in a vette with all of its electronics. I also like the fact that they're sealed and you won't be leaking acid if something bad happens.
I had one in my f-body and it lasted 9 years with a 2000w stereo system. I'm actually not too sure if the optima died or if it was a faulty alternator - replaced them both before I got rid of it.
Oh and they are direct replacements. I think you need the d35 - http://www.optimabatteries.com/battery_selector/
I had one in my f-body and it lasted 9 years with a 2000w stereo system. I'm actually not too sure if the optima died or if it was a faulty alternator - replaced them both before I got rid of it.
Oh and they are direct replacements. I think you need the d35 - http://www.optimabatteries.com/battery_selector/
Last edited by LMBTom; Jul 19, 2010 at 07:53 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,610
Likes: 12
Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 569
Likes: 23
From: Venice Florida
I worked in the battery industry for 30 years and sold both Optima and traditional lead acid batteries. My take on Optima is:
Optima brings a couple of features that traditional lead acid batteries lack.
1. very resistant to vibration (not much of an issue with Corvettes)
2. Absorbed Glass Mat technology (won't leak, which is a plus)
If these benefits are not a priority for you then the traditional lead acid battery is the best value.
Either way, a battery tender is a must for Corvettes that sit more than 2 weeks at a time with out being driven. Without a tender the battery gets cycled (charged then discharged) and significantly shortens the life of the battery.
Also, don't confuse a 'trickle charger' (which will charge a low battery and may or may not cut back on the charge current as the battery comes up to full state of charge (12.6 volts). Battery tenders are made to keep a charged battery charged and won't have the capacity to charge a dead or low state of charge battery.
Optima brings a couple of features that traditional lead acid batteries lack.
1. very resistant to vibration (not much of an issue with Corvettes)
2. Absorbed Glass Mat technology (won't leak, which is a plus)
If these benefits are not a priority for you then the traditional lead acid battery is the best value.
Either way, a battery tender is a must for Corvettes that sit more than 2 weeks at a time with out being driven. Without a tender the battery gets cycled (charged then discharged) and significantly shortens the life of the battery.
Also, don't confuse a 'trickle charger' (which will charge a low battery and may or may not cut back on the charge current as the battery comes up to full state of charge (12.6 volts). Battery tenders are made to keep a charged battery charged and won't have the capacity to charge a dead or low state of charge battery.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 695
Likes: 19
I've had an optima red top in my Protege since I got it in 2006. In AZ that is unheard of, as batteries don't usually last more than a couple years out here. That may not sound that impressive, unless I add that I originally bought it in 2002 for my MX6. It also sat on my garage floor for a year where I jumped my gf's Spectra more than a few times, before the battery in my protege died and I put the optima in its new home. It's been amazingly reliable for eight years now, and I swear by them. The stock battery in my '05 Z51 died at exactly two years old, and I of course replaced it with a red top. Worth every penny.
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
The new HUMVIE replacement has multiple Optima batteries to power all the electronics.
I just took a 5 year old Optima Yellow Top out of my car and it tested the same as a new one. I gave to another forum member and no issues to report.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
I had great service with a Red Top in my C5. Was in it for over 8 years and was strong when I traded it in. I have AutoZone Duralast batteries in my other three cars with no problems and they are inexpensive(compared to the Optima). When I need a battery replacement in my 09 Z06 I will be installing a Duralast 90-DLG(vented) from AutoZone.
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 9,615
Likes: 13
From: Burlington NC
We have had great luck with the Red tops. Well besides this
Any other battery would have dumped fluid all over the place, and possible fire-explosion. This battery even with a hole in it fires up a 12to1 engine without any problems. We have also used them under extreme weather, -25 below ice racing! The vibration ice racing used to kill a battery within a couple weekends. We ran a yellow top for a few years. Now it powers the plow truck at my friend ranch.
Name one battery that can take that abuse? Answer Optima.
Randy
Any other battery would have dumped fluid all over the place, and possible fire-explosion. This battery even with a hole in it fires up a 12to1 engine without any problems. We have also used them under extreme weather, -25 below ice racing! The vibration ice racing used to kill a battery within a couple weekends. We ran a yellow top for a few years. Now it powers the plow truck at my friend ranch.
Name one battery that can take that abuse? Answer Optima.
Randy
